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Thursday, May 2, 2013

I choose gentleness

“I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may
it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.”
―
Max Lucado

This woman's eyes have always drawn me in with their gentleness and grace. And the tentative curve of her smile too. An older painting from the archives that I painted last year, but one of my own personal favorites.

Yesterday while out running, I was trying to cross at a crosswalk, and the driver turning right wasn't paying attention to pedestrians. I was watching her and I saw that she was not paying attention to me, or else I probably would have been hit. I got angry. I smacked her trunk as she drove away with my fist. The thing that made me so angry was that the crosswalk I was at was right in front of an elementary school, even though it was too early in the morning for any kids to be there yet. All I could think of was what if a smaller child had been there? A little one who trusted the cars to look out for them? What if it had been my child who had almost gotten hit, or worse, by this driver who was too busy to look around them?

My point is that yesterday I was not gentle. I vented all about it on Facebook. And I kind of regret it. Although, hopefully my fist pounding her trunk woke that driver up enough that she'll never speed through another crosswalk again. So the little ones who cross there will always be safe.

Life is precious, and short. We don't need to make it any shorter for anyone by not paying attention, or choosing not to be gentle.

Until. . . later my friends. I'm off to eat some cookie dough for a mid morning snack.

5 comments:

I needed a dose of cookie dough ice cream last night. I know how you feel.I am glad you thumped that woman's trunk! It's frightening to think of the number of drivers who are not there when they are supposed to be driving. I was slammed by a nurse driving to work at the hospital. She was doing about 50 mph when she hit me. I was catapulted 60 feet - thankfully I landed on the grass median. She hit me with such force, she couldn't drive her car for the damage my body did to it.

Wow Studio! I am glad you survived! Crystal, I am glad you alerted the woman to her carelessness, but even more glad she didnt have a gun or try to retaliate. I think I would have reacted the same as you, but the older I get, the more convinced I am that sane folk are in the minority, so just be careful which trunks you hit!

I don't think you should feel guilty at all Crystal - You just reacted in the moment and we all do that from time to time :0) If you'd have picked up a brick and thrown it at the car - well, of course that would NOT have been normal, lol! Anyway, it sounds like the driver needed a little wake up call and I'll bet they'll be a little more careful the next time!I love this painting too. You are right - it is gentle - just like you :0)

Your "Grace" is lovely, Crystal. She reminds me of a wonderful neighbor I had as a child who was always so kind to all the children. I understand how you felt while running and coming across that lady. I used to run too but my problem was I got stalked by unsavory characters once too many. Stay safe :)

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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About Me

I'm a mom, wife, artist, writer, eater of chocolate, and lover of all things furry and fluffy, except for tarantulas. I am passionate about painting watercolor portraits and any other subject that looks shiny, or fluffy when sitting in the sun. I create something every single day, it keeps me sane and makes me happy. I've won some wonderful awards with my artwork, been priveleged to be included in some prestigious invitational, group, and solo exhibitions, I've taught workshops using my techniques in watercolor for beginner to advanced artists, and have been blesssed to be able to connect my artwork with collectors around the world. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog.